Lithuania 0-1 England
 

Lithuania 0-1 England: Harry Kane nets penalty :news: (October 08 2017)


England once again disappointed in victory as Gareth Southgate's men stuttered in a 1-0 win against Lithuania in the final competitive match before next summer's World Cup.

Qualification for the World Cup finals in Russia may have been wrapped up with a game to spare, but there was only a modicum of positivity surrounding the Three Lions after Thursday's ponderous performance against Slovenia.

Southgate shouldered the responsibility and hoped to make amends with an entertaining display against Lithuania, yet Harry Kane's first-half penalty was the only moment to celebrate as England won against the side ranked 120th in the world.

The main enjoyment for the travelling hordes were the struggles of old foes Scotland in Slovenia, while they resorted to humour by likening England’s play to watching Brazil - next month's opponents at Wembley after world champions Germany’s visit.


Post-match reaction

Harry Kane admitted England must improve after finishing their World Cup qualifying campaign with another underwhelming win.

"It wasn't a fantastic performance, it was a solid one," Kane said on ITV.

"They didn't really create many chances. It's a win to finish off the group, it's been a good campaign for us and now we move on.

"It was a difficult surface, but we have to do better."